KA Vet Tech key terms

The nervous system's detection and transmission of a painful stimulus, from receptor activation through spinal cord signaling to brain processing. It can occur even when the patient is unconscious or unable to show obvious pain behaviors.

Using two or more analgesic drugs or techniques that act at different points in the pain pathway at the same time. This improves pain relief while allowing lower doses of each agent, reducing side effects.

Minimum alveolar concentration: the inhaled anesthetic concentration that prevents movement in 50 percent of patients exposed to a standardized painful stimulus. Lower MAC values indicate a more potent inhalant anesthetic.

Continuous measurement and display of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The waveform and end-tidal value help confirm correct endotracheal tube placement, assess ventilation, and detect circuit problems during anesthesia.

Noninvasive estimation of arterial oxygen saturation using light absorption through tissue such as the tongue, ear, or toe. Readings depend on good perfusion and are unreliable with poor signal quality or certain pigments.

Systematic repeated assessment of depth of anesthesia and vital functions, including heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, respiration, oxygenation, temperature, and reflexes. Trends matter more than any single reading.

Constant rate infusion: continuous intravenous delivery of a drug at a steady rate to maintain stable blood levels. Commonly used for analgesia, anesthesia maintenance, and critical care support such as prokinetics.

Practices that prevent microorganisms from entering a surgical site or sterile field, including hand antisepsis, sterile gloves and drapes, and avoiding contact with nonsterile surfaces. Asepsis protects the patient from surgical infection.

A timed, systematic washing of hands and forearms with an antiseptic agent before surgery to reduce resident and transient skin microbes. It is followed by sterile gowning and gloving without touching nonsterile items.

The area of a draped patient and sterile equipment that must only contact sterile items. Anything touching a nonsterile surface becomes contaminated and must be replaced or covered.

The breathing system connecting the patient's airway to the anesthesia machine, delivering gases and removing carbon dioxide. Rebreathing and non-rebreathing types are selected based on patient size and resistance.

How the body handles a drug over time: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. These processes determine onset, duration, and dosing intervals for a given patient and route.

What a drug does to the body, including receptor binding, intended effects, and adverse responses. It explains why dose and patient condition change the intensity of a drug's action.

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to fall by half. It guides dosing frequency and helps predict how long effects persist after a dose is stopped.

A ratio comparing the dose producing toxicity with the dose producing the desired effect. A narrow index means small dosing errors can cause harm, so precise measurement and monitoring are essential.

The required interval after giving a drug before an animal's meat, milk, or eggs may enter the food supply. It applies to food-producing species and is a legal and ethical responsibility.

Prescribing or administering an approved drug in a manner not listed on its label, such as a different species, dose, or route. It requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship and careful documentation.

Veterinarian-client-patient relationship: the professional bond in which the veterinarian knows the animal and client well enough to diagnose and treat, with the client agreeing to follow instructions. It is legally required for many drug uses.

The client's voluntary agreement to a procedure after receiving understandable information about benefits, risks, alternatives, and costs. Documentation of the discussion protects the patient and the practice.

The legal, chronological documentation of a patient's care, including history, findings, treatments, consent, and communications. Entries must be accurate, dated, and written promptly after care is provided.

A structured method of recording patient visits: Subjective (owner reports), Objective (exam and test findings), Assessment (problems and diagnoses), and Plan (diagnostics and treatments). It keeps records organized and complete.

A panel measuring red cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white cell counts and differential, and platelets. It evaluates anemia, infection, inflammation, and blood cell abnormalities.

Packed cell volume and total solids, often measured from a microhematocrit tube after centrifugation. PCV estimates red cell mass; total solids reflect plasma protein and hydration status.

Blood testing that measures enzymes, electrolytes, metabolites, and proteins to assess organ function and metabolic status. Results are interpreted alongside history, physical findings, and reference ranges.

Microscopic examination of cells collected by swabs, fine-needle aspiration, or fluid taps. It helps classify inflammation, infection, or neoplasia and often guides further diagnostics.

Physical, chemical, and microscopic evaluation of urine, including specific gravity, dipstick values, and sediment examination. It reveals urinary tract disease, crystals, cells, casts, and systemic conditions.

Collecting cells or fluid from a mass or organ with a thin needle and syringe for cytologic examination. It is minimally invasive, quick, and often performed with ultrasound guidance.

Imaging with high-frequency sound waves to assess organ structure, fluid, and motion in real time. It is especially useful for soft tissue and pregnancy evaluation and requires no ionizing radiation.

Imaging produced by X-rays passing through tissue onto a detector, showing differences in density. Proper positioning, restraint, and radiation safety are essential for diagnostic quality and staff protection.

Progressive inflammation and destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, driven by plaque and calculus. It is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats and requires assessment under anesthesia.

Professional cleaning of teeth above and below the gumline under general anesthesia, including scaling, polishing, and charting. It prevents or slows periodontal disease and cannot be done adequately on an awake animal.

Recording each tooth's condition, including mobility, probing depth, recession, fractures, and missing teeth. The chart guides treatment planning and provides a baseline for future comparison.

Rapid sorting of patients by urgency so life-threatening problems receive care first, regardless of arrival order. It uses brief airway, breathing, circulation, and neurologic assessment to set priorities.

A state of inadequate tissue perfusion causing cellular oxygen deprivation and organ dysfunction. Signs may include tachycardia, pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill, weakness, and altered mentation.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: coordinated chest compressions, ventilation, and emergency drugs to restore circulation and breathing after cardiac arrest. High-quality compressions and minimal interruptions improve survival.

Low-stress restraint techniques that reduce fear, anxiety, and defensive aggression using calm approach, treats, towels, and minimal force. Safer handling improves patient welfare and staff safety.

Physical or chemical means of limiting an animal's movement for examination, sampling, or procedures. The least restrictive method that keeps everyone safe should be chosen and adapted to the individual patient.

A device placed over the mouth to prevent biting during handling or procedures. It must allow breathing and should not be used in animals with vomiting, respiratory distress, or certain facial injuries.

A synthetic copy of a pheromone cats deposit when rubbing their faces on objects, used to reduce stress in unfamiliar environments. It supports calm handling and acclimation to carriers and clinics.